Food Industry News, Insights, and Education for the CPG Community

This week, we’re digging into some serious funding rounds that have closed this week, taking part in CPG’s most valuable convos, and stuffing footlongs into our Pringles cans. Hey, what more could you ask for?

The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation reported it will have to suspend operations in December as a result of its feud with its parent company, TMICC.

Lioness debuted in June in more than 1,900 Target stores nationwide with a line of functional gummy snacks formulated around different moments in a woman’s day, from morning energy to afternoon cravings and evening relaxation.

In this week’s notable new products roundup, Better Than Bouillon teams up with A-Sha Foods on at-home ramen kits, Ben & Jerry’s unveils its latest mission-driven pint, and NuTrail pumps up the protein in a new line of granola.

Final Boss Sour announced today it has raised a $4 million “strategic funding round” from new and existing investors including Evolution VC Partners, The Angel Group, Mondelez International SnackFutures Ventures, Melitas Ventures and GFR Fund, among others.

Meal delivery and food technology company Wonder Group reported it is raising a $650 million Series D round at a $9 billion valuation.

After years of private label growth cannibalizing branded market share, consumers are once again redefining value. The new, evolving definition doesn’t have as much to do with price as it does the experience.

This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Brad Avery examine four stories shaping the packaged food industry: the seed funding round fueling a drink mix startup’s retail expansion, The EVERY Company’s latest step toward commercializing precision-fermented egg white proteins, Welch’s bid to disrupt the frozen sandwich category, and the FDA’s push for greater transparency around caffeine content.

Available in Frosted Strawberry, Cinnamon Brown Sugar and S’mores, each gluten-free pastry delivers 11 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber, 2 grams of added sugar and 5 grams or less of net carbs.

For packaged food brands, the right conversation can change the trajectory of the business. A buyer’s feedback can sharpen a retail strategy. An investor’s perspective can clarify what growth metrics matter most. A fellow founder’s experience can help solve a challenge before it becomes a costly mistake. That is the value of Nosh Live. Taking place December 3 + 4 in L.A., the two-day event brings together packaged food founders, buyers, investors, operators, suppliers and service partners for curated education, product discovery and direct industry connection.

Startup meat snacks brand BUFFS is preparing to launch next month following the close of a $1.1 million pre-seed funding round.

After expanding from popcorn into chips last summer, Gheelish is unlocking growth through new branding and a protein-forward innovation.

In his first earnings call since taking the helm, John Brase outlined a sweeping turnaround strategy centered on restoring margins, investing more heavily in brands, simplifying the company’s portfolio and organization, and resetting capital allocation.

Upstart protein bar brand Posana announced it has closed a $650,000 pre-seed round with a slate of creators and operators backing the business, per a LinkedIn post from founder Aditya Banerjee.